Chef Burrell Just Misses

Anne Burrell, host of Food Network's
Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and
Worst Cooks in America, came close to making the final four, but lost in a close dessert battle of ponzu and panko to Chef Zakarian.

Journaling

At the beginning of the competition, each Super Chef was given a red journal to use for challenge-planning and reflection. Chef Burrell's was filled with lots of ideas and recipes she wrote out from memory, many of which she never got around to making.

Elevated Ballpark Fare

In episode two, the chefs found themselves at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. Chef Burrell made a Beef Brisket Lettuce Wrap and Chicken and Kielbasa Sloppy Joes; the judges told her she was playing it safe and it was time to step it up.

Root Beer Inspiration

The next challenge was Chef Burrell's time to shine. Among the movie snacks the chefs were tasked to cook with, she scored root beer — one of the better options. Here she jots down ideas for her sweet and savory dishes.

Out of Averageville

Chef Burrell hoped her Quail and Chicken Livers in Root Beer Agrodolce and Root Beer Chocolate Cake would get her "out of Averageville." They sure did: "Look out. Chef Burrell is starting to get comfortable here," said Michael Symon.

Food Is Funny

The following week, the chefs found themselves in a comedy club, where random ingredients were called out by the audience. With the wacky combination of octopus, kumquats, tortillas and marshmallows to work with, Chef Burrell brainstormed some dish possibilities.

Advantage?

As the winner of the previous challenge, Chef Burrell got an unprecedented advantage: She served as a judge and chose one chef who would automatically end up in the Secret Ingredient Showdown. The judges would pick the second chef on the bottom.

Serious Showdown

"Ah, karma," said Chef Burrell when she ended up facing the chef she sent to the bottom, Chef Zakarian. This Secret Ingredient Showdown had an extra twist: The chefs had to use the secret ingredients, ponzu sauce and panko bread crumbs, to make a dessert.

Farewell, Chef Burrell

Chef Burrell's dessert was successful, but the judges felt that Chef Zakarian's was just a tiny bit better. "Of course I can hold my head up high," said Chef Burrell. "I believe a lot of these challenges have been who sucks less in a crazy environment on any given day."